Sitamarhi , May 10 (HS): On Saturday, Sita Mahotsav was celebrated at Sita Prakashgarh in Punauradhama, the birthplace of Janaki, organized by Hindusthan Samachar. Bihar’s Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan, was the Chief Guest. The event was chaired by Arvind Bhalchandra Mardikar, Chairman of Hindusthan Samachar Group, and featured prominent speakers such as Maharaj Acharya Mithilesh Nandini Sharan ji of Siddhapeeth Hanumat Nivas, Ayodhya, and Maharaj Dr. Shukdev Das ji from Sitamarhi Baghi Dham.
Other notable attendees included Mahamandaleshwar Sri Maa Yog Yogeshwari Yati ji, Uttar Pradesh State Information Commissioner Padum Narayan Dwivedi, and Peethadhishwar Sri Mahant Kaushal Kishore Das ji Maharaj from the Janakibhoomi temple. Ram Suresh Chaudhary and Bhaskar Jha also graced the event.
Sanjeev Kumar successfully conducted the program, featuring performances by classical singer Pandit Uday Kumar Mallik and devotional singer Dr. Surendra Kannaujia, who captivated the audience. The event included the release of publications Yugavarta, Navutthaan, and Tejasvini Sita.
The festivities began with a joint lighting of the lamp amid Vedic chants, following the swasti vachan, and all guests received flower bouquets, shawls, and mementos as a mark of respect. Bhaskar Jha welcomed the audience and shared insights about the charitable works of the Bhagya Vidhata Charitable Foundation and Trust.
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan addressed the attendees, stating that “Hindu” signifies a geographical identity, emphasizing that all those born in Hindustan are Hindus. Sharing his roots from Uttar Pradesh, he expressed pride in being the chief citizen of the state where Mother Janaki was born, highlighting that Lord Shri Ram and Mother Janaki serve as inspirational figures not just for the Hindi-speaking populace but for the entire Sanatan community, including the Southern regions of India.
In a significant gathering, Shri Mahant Acharya Mithileshanandini Sharan Ji Maharaj from Hanumat Niwas at Ayodhya’s Siddhpeeth highlighted the references to Mother Sita in various religious texts and her vital role in folk culture and public life. Shri Mahant Dr. Shukdev Das Ji Maharaj from Sitamarhi Bagahi Dham commended local MP Devesh Chandra Thakur for allocating one year’s parliamentary funds to promote the birthplace of Mother Janaki.
The esteemed guest, Shri Maa Yog Yogeshwari Yati Ji, the revered Mahamandaleshwar of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, addressed the often negative perception of Mother Sita’s fire test, asserting it as a positive symbol rather than a negative one. He emphasized that the fire test serves as a lesson in patience, virtue, tolerance, and forgiveness for both men and women alike.
Shri Mahant Kaushal Kishore Das Ji Maharaj, head of the Punauradhama Shri Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple, extended blessings to all attendees. The program was presided over by Arvind Bhalchandra Mardikar, president of the Hindustan Samachar Group, alongside Padum Narayan Dwivedi, State Information Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh. They called for deeper research into the various depictions of Mother Janani.
The event included a cultural segment featuring performances from renowned classical singer Pandit Uday Kumar Mallik and bhajan singer Dr. Surendra Kannaujia, both of whom received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
This gathering not only celebrated the cultural significance of Mother Sita but also aimed to enhance the appreciation and understanding of her contributions in religious and social contexts, underscoring the need for ongoing research and acknowledgment of her legacy. Overall, the program fostered a spirit of reverence and admiration for Mother Janaki, while recognizing the importance of her teachings in today’s world.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
